LORA LOUISE TAYLOR BARNES

LORA LOUISE TAYLOR BARNES was born on January 14, 1964 to Nina Spain Wallace and Albert Taylor, Sr. Lora graduated from George Wythe High School. Her caring nature led her into the nursing field, and to obtain her license as a Medical Technician. Lora’s early start in nursing included a stint with Libby Convalescent Center. After that, Lora went on to work for eighteen years at the Beth Shalom Nursing Home, and ten years at Lakewood Manor Nursing Home. Lora was a valued staff member at both facilities, and was dearly loved by all who knew her. On the morning of Thursday, March 20, 2008, Lora was murdered in her Henrico County home. At the time of her death, Lora was survived by: her daughter, Daeshar Taylor Shabazz (husband, Shareef); four grandchildren, Cory Bynum, Shadeja & ShaNajeeb Shabazz, and Shareef Mosby; her mother, Nina Spain Wallace (husband, Oliver Jr.); her father, Albert Taylor Sr. (wife, Gladys); five sisters, Joyce Langley (husband, Curtis); Gloria Taylor-Edwards (husband, Larie II); Angela Taylor Muwakil; Barbara Gaines (husband, Oliver), and Christie Taylor Hamlin (husband, Joseph); two brothers, Albert II and Bryan Taylor; nine aunts, one uncle, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and other relatives and friends, among them, a devoted friend, Lisa Carter. Lora loved her family, her co-workers and her patients; but it was obvious to all that she doted over her grandchildren, and maintained a huge influence in their lives. To keep Lora’s memory alive, our family submitted a request to Virginia’s Silent Witness Program to have a life-sized plywood silhouette created that will forever remind others about the national issue of domestic violence. Inscribed on the statuette are the following words (from Lora) written by her sister, Gloria:  “He made me feel beautiful and wanted…like none of the others before him. But soon he became jealous and controlling. My fear…his threats…my shame…isolated me in ways I can’t begin to describe. Then…he murdered me! HEAR my end-story…SEE the signs…become PROACTIVE about the rise in domestic violence!” Leaving behind a trail of tears, Lora

Bryan Taylor

Click here to visit LORA TAYLOR BARNE's memorial site.

Click here to see the Richmond (Virginia) Times Dispatch story re: 'Remembering LORA TAYLOR BARNES.